Hercules Moving & Storage Packing Manual for Long Distance Moves & Storage

As a service to those customers who wish to pack their own valuables, we offer this helpful guide. Thank you for making Hercules Moving & Storage your choice in movers.

Packing Materials
Use only strong, corrugated cartons with covers. We can supply you with specially made cartons, for everything from mattresses to clothing and mirrors. The added protection of mover-provided cartons may avoid damage that results from the use of poor-quality packing materials.
Your alternative is to collect boxes discarded by your local grocery or liquor store. (Keep in mind that boxes from grocery stores may house insects or their eggs.) Save old newspapers for use in packing, but remember that ink may rub off and stain clothing or other items.

Packing Supplies
Here's a list of packing supplies that will come in handy:

• Plastic bags and labels for easy identification.
• Foam peanuts, Styrofoam pellets or "popcorn."
• Tissue or craft paper for delicate packing jobs.
• Bubble wrap for figurines and fragile items.
• Gummed tape (1 1/2 to 2 inches wide) and/or strong twine for sealing cartons.
• Markers and labels for identifying contents of cartons.
• Notebook and pencil for carton identification log.
• Scissors and/or sharp knife.

Packing Tips
Before actually packing, you need to have a game plan. For example:

• Pack one room at a time. This will help you when it comes time to unpack.
• Pack a couple of cartons a day, starting well ahead of the move.
• Mark all boxes, designating room and box number. Make a carton identification.
• Be sure to have plenty of filling material available.
• Be sure that the bottoms of all cartons are secured and will hold the weight of the contents.
• Packing tape or gummed tape is better than masking tape.
• Pack heavier items toward the bottom of the box and lighter items toward the top.
• Try to keep a per-box weight of 50 pounds or less; it makes moving a lot easier.
• A general rule to remember on carton size -- the heavier the item, the smaller the carton.

Grandfather clocks should be disassembled by a clock specialist prior to moving day.

Check polished table tops and antiques for any existing damage (nicks and scratches) and note its exact location.

Note down the location of all existing damage (worn areas, pulls) to fabric on furnishings.

Disconnect the water to the washing machine and refrigerator and gas to the dryer and range prior to moving day.

Eliminate Rather than Relocate
While you're organizing or packing for your move, sift and sort. Don't hesitate to liberally use the trashcan--let common sense be your guide.

Have a Garage Sale!
If you are like most people, you have many items you really have no use for anymore. Sponsor a garage sale before your move to give yourself a little junk relief! You just might raise enough money to pay for your moving expenses! Remember that one man's junk is another man's treasure! If you don't need it, unload it. Rule of thumb: if you haven't used it in the last 12 months get rid of it. Don't move the riding mower to an apartment. Part with tools you won't have an opportunity to use. You don't need to furnish your new attic with old junk.

Donate to Your Favorite Charity.
Itemize the items and keep a receipt. It may help you qualify for a tax deduction.

PACKING LIST
Basics
Get your own packing materials including cardboard boxes, wardrobe boxes, bubble wrap, Styrofoam "popcorn", newspaper, acid free tissue paper, rope, packing tape, and permanent ink markers. Hercules Moving & Storage offers these materials for a nominal charge. Fill all of the boxes you pack to capacity, but be careful not to overfill in such a way where the box can rupture and break open. Make sure to fill empty space in boxes with loose material like crumpled newspaper or Styrofoam pieces. Heavy items like books and appliances should be packed in their own boxes so that they will be easier to handle. Items like computers, electronic equipment, camera equipment, etc., should also be carefully packed in their own cartons. Pack items and label them by room for easy identification. Plan out your storage space for easy access.

Appliances
Wrap small appliances in inkless newsprint or your kitchen towels or linens. Tape the bottom of a medium box securely and put down a layer of inkless newsprint for padding. For large appliances, make sure you check your owner's manual for any special instructions before you start to pack. Tape down any parts that could come loose--the burners on your stove, the electrical cords, etc. Refrigerators, freezers, washers, dryers, stoves, and other appliances should be clean and dry before you pack and store them. When storing these items, the doors should be secured in a closed position. (Never allow a child to get into a large appliance. With the door of the appliance closed, a child trapped inside can quickly die from suffocation. If you choose to discard any of these items, make sure to remove doors completely so that a child cannot enter, close the door, and become trapped inside. Careful preparation can avoid needless tragedy.)

Art and Collectibles
Put Corrugated Corners on and wrap each piece in bubble wrap. Pad the bottom of a large box with crumpled inkless newsprint. Give the items plenty of space, and make sure you add lots of packing material on the sides, between items and on top. Remember to label the box "fragile."

Books
Use only small boxes for books -- they get very heavy, very fast. You can use small paperbacks to fill the sides of the box if there is extra space.

Clothing
This is where wardrobe boxes come in handy. You can move clothing on hangers straight from your closet to the wardrobe boxes. Clothing in drawers should be packed in suitcases or boxes.

Electronic Equipment
Ideally, you should pack electronic equipment such as stereos, TVs and computers in their original boxes with their original packing material. If this is unavailable, wrap the equipment in plastic bags. Wrap each piece in bubble wrap and pack in a heavy-duty box made for such items.

Personal Computers and Computer Peripheral Devices (printers, external drives, etc)
Pack these items in the same way you would pack other household electronic equipment. For additional tips...
See "Moving Your Computer "

Furniture
If you can take your furniture apart in any way to make it easier to move, make sure you put all nuts, bolts and screws in a small zip-lock bag and tape the bag to the furniture. Empty all dressers of clothing, and pack into appropriate wardrobe boxes. Use mothballs or other similar products to protect your clothing from insects and other pests. Make sure that doors and drawers of your furniture are securely shut. When possible, remove the legs from items of furniture to avoid damage and save space. Vacuum your furniture and remember to collect all of that loose change in the sofa.

Kitchenware
Wrap breakable items in bubble wrap or inkless newsprint. Put layers of bubble wrap between each plate or bowl. Fill the top bowl with crumpled inkless newsprint. Make sure you put the heavier items on the bottom of the box. Wrap nonbreakable items in inkless newsprint before packing in a box. Use cell packs to separate delicate items. Make sure you pack all the items you'll need for your first few days in you new home in one box, and label it prominently. You can only eat take-out for so long. Make sure you label the boxes "fragile" and don't place heavy boxes on top of these boxes to avoid breakage

Mirrors and Framed Art
Tape an X of masking tape across mirrors and paintings framed with glass. Wrap each item in bubble wrap. You can use our shipping cartons for these pieces. Make sure you label everything fragile.

MOVING CHECKLIST & TIPS
Ease your move with the following moving checklist and tips from Hercules Moving & Storage.

Making an Inventory
Know what goes into each box and make sure the head of the moving crew legibly and accurately inventories each item as it's loaded. Review the list before signing the bill of lading. This is your contract with the us, setting out what services you are paying for. Read both documents carefully. Keep the contract and inventory to check off items as they come off the truck at your new home.

Pets
If you take your pets in your car, remember to take along food, water, a leash for letting your pet out of the car, and newspapers or bedsheets to keep your car clean. Animals can get carsick and will require frequent stops along the way. Also, check ahead to see if the hotel where you are staying allows pets. Depending on the animal's temperament and size, it might be better to have it shipped by air. Be sure to check if your destination has any local requirements or restrictions on animals. To have your pet shipped by air, make sure someone can meet your pet at the destination airport and take care of it until you arrive. A kennel can do this for you and keep your pet until you have completed your move, if necessary. If you are flying to your new destination, your cat or dog can ride in the baggage compartment. You may need a health certificate, which can be obtained from your veterinarian. Don't forget a pet container and tranquilizers to be given to your pet immediately before going to the airport. Having a piece of cloth with your scent on it can comfort your pet.

One Month Before Moving

• Fill out a Change of Address form from the Post Office.
• Fill out an IRS Change of Address form.
• Double-check arrangements with Hercules Moving & Storage.
• Make travel arrangements, if necessary, with airlines, buses, car rental agencies and hotels.
• Transfer memberships in churches, clubs and civic organizations.
• Obtain medical and dental records, e-rays and prescription histories.
• Ask doctor and dentist for referrals and transfer prescriptions.
• Set up a bank account in your new location.
• Check into the laws and requirements of your new city regarding home-based business, professional tests, business licenses and any special laws that might pertain to you.
• Take inventory of your belongings before they're packed, in the event you need to file an insurance claim later. (If possible, take pictures or videotape your belongings.) Record serial numbers of electronic equipment.
• Make arrangements for transporting pets.
• Start using-up food items, so that there is less to pack and possibly spoil.

One to Two Weeks Before Moving

• Switch utility services to your new address.
• Inform electric, disposal, water, newspaper, magazine subscription, telephone, and cable companies of your move.
• Arrange for help on moving day.
• Confirm travel reservations.
• Reserve elevator if moving from an apartment or condo.
• Have appliances serviced for moving.
• Clean rugs and clothing and have them wrapped for moving.
• Plan ahead for special needs of infants.
• Close bank accounts and have your funds wired to your new bank. Before closing, be sure there are no outstanding checks or automatic payments that haven't been processed. Collect valuables from safe-deposit box.
• Make copies of any important documents before mailing or hand carry them to your new address.
• Check with your insurance agent to ensure you'll be covered through your homeowner's or renter's policy during the move.
• Defrost freezer and refrigerator. Place deodorizer inside to control odors.
• Give a close friend or relative your travel route and schedule so you may be reached if needed.

On Moving Day

• Double check closets, drawers, shelves, attic and garage to be sure they are empty.
• Carry important documents, currency and jewelry yourself, or use registered mail.

Arriving at your New Home

• Renew your driver's license, auto registration and tags.
• Shop around for new insurance polices, especially auto coverage.
• Revise your will and other legal papers to avoid longer probate and higher legal fees.
• Locate the hospitals, police stations, veterinarian and fire stations near your home.

Additional Helpful Hints

• Forward necessary mail to your new address. Discontinue service on a specific date.
• Notify former employers. This will make tax time less taxing.
• Be there and give direction. Let us know what you want loaded first and loaded last.
• Get a copy of your inventory sheet from our foreman. Double check his notations about existing damage to your goods.
• Have your insurance plan readily available. 
• If you are packing yourself, devise a system. You should label your boxes with their destination in your new home. Hang numbered signs on the doorposts of each room and write the same numbers on the appropriate boxes. (Example: "2nd Fl./Room 4") If you're handy with a pencil, sketch a sample layout of your house, number the rooms on it, and post the layout on the truck for reference.
• Don't forget to have your tools ready when you start unloading. You should put your toolbox in when everything else is loaded in the truck.
• Take all your valuable documents and jewelry with you! Don't forget about your plants. Most are too sensitive to make a long journey in a hot, dark truck. If possible, take them with you, too.

Do you need a mover dedicated to quality? Contact Hercules Moving & Storage to schedule the best mover in the Cincinnati area. Call 513-251-2593 or 513-557-3361 today!

Hercules Moving & Storage - Your Quality Cincinnati Mover.